KNWD is Northwestern State University’s broadcasting radio station, run by students for the campus. The staff takes requests from students and runs constant music, news, sports and podcasts. Created in April 1974 and first airing in September 1975, KNWD has served the student body and Natchitoches community for over 50 years.
Bringing every genre of music to listeners, the song rotations and DJ shows bring inclusivity to NSU’s diverse community. Cale Arceneaux, a junior history major and news director of KNWD, believes that the radio station has the ability to ensure every student is appreciated. “Every hour of the day has a little bit for anyone who listens. I personally run a DJ show that is just jazz and swing music from the 1940s through the 60s, but I also know other DJs who cover such niche genres, like video game music,” Arceneaux said.
“[KNWD] is one of the few places on campus that you can go, and it is more than likely than not that you will know someone in there,” Arceneaux said.
Communication fosters an understanding environment within the team at KNWD.
For the broadcasts to run smoothly and give opportunities to each member, the staff has to have a certain level of flexibility. “For those who don’t know, we also manage late shows as well. It is a bit of a process to have one, but it is manageable for those who do not have the availability to have a show during regular hours of operation,” Arceneaux said.
Torin Merchant is a sophomore communication major and event coordinator for KNWD. She uses her time on the staff to build experience beyond just basic communication. “Being a part of the staff has taught me that no one person is the same. We all think differently and have a different perspective on lots of things, which I love,” Merchant said. The staff of KNWD make the program stronger each year, allowing new dynamics to grow and be fostered.
KNWD is more than a service for the students— it is a platform. Eddy Hernandez, a senior communication major and General Manager for KNWD, said that the station gives students more opportunities than they may think. “We offer specialty DJ shows that are led by NSU students. They have the freedom to talk about what they want on-air, design their own posters for distribution, invite guests on-air and control every other aspect of their show. As long as it’s [Federal Communications Commission] clean, of course,” Hernandez said. “I’ve traveled all over the country and world, and have never had an opportunity like this.”
Hernandez has been a member of the staff since 2022, and his experiences with KNWD have shaped him as a person. After graduation, he plans to continue a career in broadcasting using the skills he’s learned throughout his time at the station. “I never saw myself as a leader. I was very introverted my whole life, but KNWD allowed me to break free from that,” Hernandez said. “This place is truly something special, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. I owe a lot to KNWD and will forever cherish it.”
KNWD remains a safe-space for students with an open-door policy for all, aiming to serve and support all NSU students who need them.
